An electric utility executive revealed that the winds during the Eaton fire in Altadena did not reach the intensity required to shut down a significant electrical transmission line, which is now under investigation as a possible ignition source for the fire. Southern California Edison CEO shared that the decision not to de-energize the key transmission line was based on wind speeds not meeting the 60 to 80 mph threshold typically needed for such action. The company closely monitored the weather conditions on the day of the fire.
Despite reports from witnesses seeing flames near a transmission tower, the utility's data showed no abnormalities in the hours leading up to the fire. The CEO expressed concern over the unsettling images of flames captured by residents and acknowledged the immediate suspicion that arose due to the proximity of the fire to the electrical equipment.
